Infertility is a heartbreaking condition. It is defined as an inability to conceive even after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse in women <35 years of age and in 6 months for women >35 years of age. There are various causes/ factors responsible for causing infertility in individuals. Fertility is governed by lifestyle as it is by genes.
If you are thinking of starting a family, here are a list of factors that should be assessed to make sure to stay on the right path.
- AGE: Today many couples chose to start families in their 30s and sometimes even their forties. But one should not forget that women’s fecundity decreases with increasing age. Ovarian reserve starts to decrease after the age of 35 years. Ovarian follicles decline both in quality and quantity. Even the sperm quality in men decreases with increasing age.
- SMOKING: Smoking is probably the most dangerous factor responsible for causing infertility both in men and women. Smoking is associated with increase risk of miscarriage, low birth weight babies and preterm delivery. Women who smoke have less ovarian reserve compared to those who don’t. Smoking also decreases the chance of success in IVF pregnancy. So, it is advised to decrease if not completely quit smoking at least 3 months before starting the first cycle of IVF.
- ALCOHOL: Alcohol consumption can play just as much of a role in female infertility as in male infertility. Women who consume alcohol have as much as 30% less chances of conception. Consuming alcohol can lead to miscarriage, low egg reserve, inferior pregnancy rate in females and affects sperm count and motility in males. Alcohol also leads to development of congenital anomalies in fetus. So, it is advisable to quit alcohol consumption if you are planning to have baby.
- BODY WEIGHT: Fertility is closely dictated by body weight. Weight changes like being underweight or overweight can affect your ability to get pregnant. Overweight or obesity is often associated with ovarian dysfunction or polycystic ovarian syndrome and being underweight can lead to irregular or absent period. In all these situations, maintaining ideal weight can lead to restoration of ovulation and getting the cycles regular.
- DIET: having increased quantity of processed foods and junk foods will lead to hormonal imbalances. Also, it is advisable to decrease sugar and caffeine intake. A diet that is low in fat and high in protein, iron and micronutrients like magnesium, calcium, potassium is needed. Getting a nutritious meal plan customized by your nutritionist will help you in meeting your dietary requirements.
- EXERCISE: Exercise plays a very important role in infertility. Too much or too little workout can both hinder with the menstrual cycle causing irregular menses. So, it is good to do a moderate level of exercise like going for a walk or working out for about 45minutes for 5 – 6 days in a week.
- STRESS: Stress is another lifestyle factor which causes infertility. Excessive mental strain can even lead to failure of IVF cycles. Practicing yoga, meditation, light exercise, having a balanced diet can all help in decreasing stress levels and keeping anxiety in control.
CONCLUSION
Lifestyle and fertility are two sides of the same coin. You will start noticing significant differences if you work on getting your health back on track. Sometimes, infertility is a product of uncontrollable biological factors and if you suspect a problem, consider meeting a fertility specialist to know the best way forward.
Starting a family doesn’t have to be a calculated convoluted effort. Contact our fertility experts at Fertility Foundation/ SISU Hospital to get you started in your parenting journey.
